Believe in the HYPE at Detroit library
May 16, 2008
The Detroit Public Library couldn't have made a finer use of the $350,000 it invested in a six-month conversion of the east wing of its main branch.
In part, it's a return to history, since the wing originally opened in 1923 as the children's library. Starting today it reopens as the system's high-tech teen center, 3,394 square feet of space that library officials hope will catch on with Detroit youth simply with the name of HYPE (Helping Young People Excel).
Considering the careful attention to detail and level of youth input that went into the center's creation, it isn't hard to imagine Detroiters of every age getting hyped about its existence.
One of the sad facts of life in this city is that young people are bombarded more by negatives than with affordable enrichment activities that can plant seeds of success. Detroit's cultural center is a natural destination to add one more alternative. The library sits along a major bus route, Woodward Avenue, so it ought to become a relatively easy stop for teens with desire but no other transportation.
HYPE is also a savvy move for the library. Like museums, it is increasingly forced to rethink how to do business in the digital age. Attracting young people in particular has meant an embrace of gadgets that were once verboten in libraries, such as computers, video gaming stations and tournaments, and cutting edge music stations. HYPE makes all of this available to Detroit youth with only one catch: They have to sign up for a free library card.
By keeping pace with teenagers, the library also increases the chance its will have an audience to serve in the future. Getting them through the door is one of surest ways to get young people hooked on books, too.
Learn more about opening week activities at www.dplhype.org <http://www.dplhype.org>
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